The Savvy Suitcase: Destination: New York, NY

WHY VISIT?

The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. The Crossroads of the world. Need I say more?

New York City has it all. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. And that's a good thing because there's so much to see! If you're still questioning whether to visit just ask the 47 million foreign and American visitors who come every year.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

New Yorkers are always on the move. There's no stopping for walk/don't walk signs - no matter what they are signaling - and they won't stop for you either. Stand to the side if you're walking slow. And if you're in doubt crossing busy intersections, follow in the shadows of locals.

When getting out of a cab, exit curbside. New Yorkers don't stop and neither do taxis.

Directions are usually given by cross streets rather than addresses. For example: say "Columbus and 74th Street" rather than "302 Columbus Avenue".

For the best shopping go to SoHo and work your way south to a bargain-lover's designer paradise at Century 21 (across from the WTC site). Macy's & Bloomingdale's are also favorites.

It's a big city and bums and beggars are around, rarely are they aggressive. Giving is a personal choice, but my advice is ignore them.

Avoid much of anything north of 125th street on the east and west sides of Manhattan.

You really can't go wrong on food. There are so many great restaurants and half the fun is just popping in a new place and trying it out. If 5-star dining is your thing, make reservations.

There are three major airports serving the New York:

LaGuardia (LGA)

Pro: An easy 30-minute/$40 taxi ride in and out of Manhattan

Con: You can pretty much bet on a 30 minute minimum delay on takeoff and arrival

JFK

Pro: An easy airtran/subway ride if you are staying in Midtown Manhattan

Con: $60+ (with tip) cab ride plus horrible traffic

Newark (EWR)

Pro: Less delays

Con: Airtran to a NJ transit train to Penn Station to Subway/Taxi to your hotel (takes about an hour)

The bottom line: JFK and Newark tie for the best on-time arrival/departure, but for a first-time visitor I'd stick with JFK or LGA.

From the airport, a taxi is the best way to get to your ultimate destination, and by taxi I mean those easy-to-spot yellow cabs. You'll find several guys offering (or hustling) you just outside the airport, asking if you need a ride in one of their black cars. Ignore them. They are not regulated by the city, and once you are in the car they can easily up the fare or drop you somewhere you don't want to be.

TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:

Times Square
Your senses will be overloaded...soak it all up and enjoy!
Gray Line double-decker tour bus
Sure it's cheesy, but there's no better (or cheaper!) way to see the best of the city.
Central Park
It can be a lot to take in, and trust me, it's easy to get lost. Start small and be choosey. Try: Sheep's meadow or the Bethesda fountain.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
One of New York's most iconic landmarks, but be ready for a long, slow day. Arrive early and plan on it taking about 1/2 day. Also, order tickets in advance if you want to go inside Lady Liberty.
The subway
Don't be afraid. Grab a map, ask the locals. There's no better way to see the real NYC. It's one of my favorite places.
Pizza & a bagel
Two New York specialties. For pizza try Lombardi's at Mott & Spring Streets or Patsy's at 74th and Columbus. For bagels try H&H bagels at Broadway & 80th Street.
TKTS/A Broadway Show
Get there early, brave the line, and you'll save money on Broadway's best shows.
Any museum
Natural History Museum & The Metropolitan Museum of Art are my favs!
Top of the Rock Observation Deck in Rockefeller Center
Much better views and shorter lines than the Empire State Building
The Brooklyn Bridge